Bendell, Shirley Ann

Shirley Ann Bendell, 66, passed away from complications of a successful bone marrow transplant on Feb. 14, 2014, at University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colo.

Shirley Ann Bendell

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 20, 1947, to Maynard and Edna (Kittinger) Ebert. On Sept. 6, 1981, Shirley married Donald “Don” R. Bendell in Akron, Ohio. They moved to Colorado in 1982. Shirley graduated from CSU-Pueblo with a degree in television film video and started a television film and video production company. She also graduated from and was president of the student senate at Pueblo Community College. Additionally, Shirley was co-owner and a 6th-degree black belt master instructor at Bendell Karate in Pueblo West and previously in Canon City. She was a 1995 inductee into the International Karate & Kickboxing Hall of Fame, only the third woman ever inducted. Shirley was associate producer and a supporting actress in the successful motion picture, “The Instructor,” in 1984, and produced and directed several national award-winning videos. In 1997, she was recognized with the Jefferson Award for her community service and work with women and girls in sexual assault prevention. She started the ARC, All Recovery in Christ program in Canon City, as well as the Canon City chapter of WINGS, and supported many charities. Mrs. Bendell is survived by her husband, Don; children, Donald Ray Bendell Jr. (Ericka), SFC Brent Bendell and SFC Joshua Bendell (Heather); and three stepchildren, Brooke Stark (Burwell), Brenna Husel (Jeff), Britt Bendell (Katherine); 11 grandchildren; sister, Jan Guy (Jerry); and brother, David Ebert. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, two sisters; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, at the Holt Family Funeral Home in Canon City, and from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at Evangelical Free Church in Canon City, Colo. Arrangements are under the care of Holt Family Funeral Home. Online condolences @www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com